Meaning of the word tell in English

What does tell mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

tell

US /tel/

UK /tel/

to communicate information, a story, or a message to someone by speaking or writing

Example:

•

Can you tell me your name?

•

She likes to tell stories to her grandchildren.

Synonym:

inform notify communicate relate recount

to distinguish or discern something

Example:

•

I can't tell the difference between the two.

•

You can always tell a true friend.

Synonym:

discern distinguish recognize identify

to order or instruct someone to do something

Example:

•

I told him to leave immediately.

•

The teacher told the students to open their books.

Synonym:

order instruct command direct

a piece of information or a secret that is revealed

Example:

•

That's a tell, he's bluffing.

•

His nervous habit was a dead tell.

Synonym:

clue hint sign indicator

Learn This Word at Lingoland